Flu Vax Facts: What to Know for the 2022-2023 Flu Season – Everyday Health

The first and most common reason people give for not getting vaccinated is that theyve heard the flu vaccine doesn't always work, says Dr. Schaffner. But no vaccine is 100 percent effective.

When the flu vaccine is a good match with the circulating virus, it can reduce the risk of flu by up to 60 percent for those who are vaccinated. That means 60 percent fewer vaccinated people will contract the flu after they encounter the virus compared to the unvaccinated. The flu is highly contagious, so if youre not vaccinated, youre more likely to develop the flu.

Because the recommendations for which strains to include in this seasons vaccines were provided in March, and flu season isnt in full swing, how effective they will be is an unknown. But that isnt a reason not to get a flu shot.

Even if the flu vaccine isnt perfectly matched to the dominant strain circulating, you do get some residual protection, particularly against severe disease, emphasizes Schaffner.

View post:

Flu Vax Facts: What to Know for the 2022-2023 Flu Season - Everyday Health